Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
He is Risen! We are in the octave of Easter, a full and joyful celebration of the love, mercy, and new life that Jesus offers us.
This is also one of the busiest weeks in the life of a priest or bishop. I wanted to share a few moments from these past days with you.
One of the great blessings of Holy Week was approving six men for ordination next month as transitional deacons. If they continue along this path, I look forward to ordaining them as priests next year.
Please keep them in your prayers, along with all those who are discerning a call to the priesthood.
Please keep them in your prayers, along with all those who are discerning a call to the priesthood.
For more than a century, Saint Mary of Mercy Church in Divine Mercy Parish has carried out the works of mercy through the Red Door in Downtown Pittsburgh. They have served meals, provided clothing, and offered care to so many in need, often in difficult conditions..
Now, with Catholic Charities making use of the former diocesan headquarters next door, a new dining space has been created so this ministry can continue in a more welcoming and comfortable setting. I was grateful to bless this new space and this partnership.
Now, with Catholic Charities making use of the former diocesan headquarters next door, a new dining space has been created so this ministry can continue in a more welcoming and comfortable setting. I was grateful to bless this new space and this partnership.
The Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday is always a special moment. Our priests gather with me to renew the promises they made at ordination, and we bless the holy oils that will be used in parishes throughout the year.
I am grateful for the many priests of our diocese who faithfully serve Christ and all of you each day.
I am grateful for the many priests of our diocese who faithfully serve Christ and all of you each day.
Since 1989, the bishops of Pittsburgh have celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and washed the feet of inmates at the Allegheny County Jail. This was my first time taking part in that tradition.
It was a powerful experience. In a very real way, it brought home the call of Jesus to serve others through the works of mercy. I saw that reflected in the faces of those present and in the conversations that followed.
It was a powerful experience. In a very real way, it brought home the call of Jesus to serve others through the works of mercy. I saw that reflected in the faces of those present and in the conversations that followed.
After the Mass at the jail, I went to Saint Paul Cathedral, where I washed the feet of 12 men and women as part of the liturgy.
Good Friday is a solemn day when we remember the suffering and death of Jesus. We gather in silence, we listen, and we venerate the cross.
In that moment, we are reminded of the depth of His love and the gift of salvation that is offered to us.
In that moment, we are reminded of the depth of His love and the gift of salvation that is offered to us.
On Holy Saturday, Christian leaders from across our region gathered at the Grandview overlook on Mount Washington to pray for the City of Pittsburgh.
This annual tradition reflects our shared desire to pray for peace, protection, and the well-being of all who live here.
This annual tradition reflects our shared desire to pray for peace, protection, and the well-being of all who live here.
The blessing of Easter food at Saint Paul Cathedral is a beautiful tradition. Families bring baskets filled with food to be blessed, continuing a custom that has its roots in Eastern Europe.
It is a meaningful reminder of the many cultures that have shaped our Church and our communities, and of the faith that continues to bring us together.
It is a meaningful reminder of the many cultures that have shaped our Church and our communities, and of the faith that continues to bring us together.
The Easter Vigil is one of the most beautiful liturgies of the year. We begin in darkness, and the light of Christ is gradually shared throughout the church.
Through Scripture, we hear the story of salvation, and we welcome new members into the Church through Baptism. It is a powerful reminder of the new life we celebrate at Easter.
Through Scripture, we hear the story of salvation, and we welcome new members into the Church through Baptism. It is a powerful reminder of the new life we celebrate at Easter.
Easter Sunday is a day of great celebration as we rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus.
He has conquered death and opened the way to new life for all of us.
To close the day, my brother bishops and I had the opportunity to bless families at the cathedral.
This has always been a meaningful moment for me, and even more so now. Each blessing is a prayer for families to grow in faith and to walk closely with Christ. I hope to see you there next Easter.
He has conquered death and opened the way to new life for all of us.
To close the day, my brother bishops and I had the opportunity to bless families at the cathedral.
This has always been a meaningful moment for me, and even more so now. Each blessing is a prayer for families to grow in faith and to walk closely with Christ. I hope to see you there next Easter.
Please know that you are in my prayers, and I ask you to keep me in yours.
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